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Things have been going pretty well for Ford the last couple of years, and we thought it was high time for a party. Ok, unfortunately I can’t invite everyone, but what  I can do is talk about the Fiesta you CAN all come too. more Let’s Party Check out the new 2012 Ford Fiesta. The quaint little number from the blue oval that has everything you’re looking for wrapped up in a neat little package. If you’re looking for a way to beat the gas prices that have decided to hike early this year, then this just may be the car for you! Obviously not being a tank, it gets phenomenal fuel efficiency, especially on the highway. Saving money at the pump, you can’t argue with that at all these days. The Car The best thing about the Fiesta, it has a great looking sticker price. Affordable on any budget and fits anyone’s lifestyle except maybe professional seven foot tall basketball players. With a great looking interior, the cabin is actually able to seat three passengers and the driver very comfortably. So, anyone out there that doubts it because it is small, come take a look for yourself. Not For You If you are still not thinking the Fiesta is for you in Louisville, Ford F150 may be more your style. If you’re looking for a truck, a big car, a smaller car, and either way you look at it, the right Ford for you, then come on down to O’brien Ford of Shelbyville.

Well it looks like the Fusion is back on track to be the best. Best in show that is at the Detroit Auto Show. The new 2013 Fusion looks so good that you won’t believe it. more How Good? To be honest, in a really good way, the thing looks like it could come to life at any moment and talk to you. The grill has been redesigned and has a very inviting look while still maintaining some attitude. My Next Car I really have no other way of putting this, but I have seriously got the swap my ride fever. I keep looking at the new Fusion and realizing that I’m not in the new hip ride anymore. The new Fusion gets better gas mileage than my current Fusion, seems to have more room, and of course has the boisterous seal of approval from Autoweek. I’m Not The Only One The editor of Autoweek had this to say, "The Ford Fusion bucks the midsize-sedan trend of playing to the broadest common denominator. The Fusion delivers bold styling that projects a more luxurious message than we expected for its broad, family-car mission." This is presumably a guy that works in the auto industry that has probably seen it all several times and is still impressed by the new 2013 model. You all need to see this baby for yourself. Seriously! Whether you’re in Shelbyville or Louisville, Ford lovers alike will have even more love and pride for the blue oval than before. Head on down to O’brien Ford of Shelbyville and let me take you for the ride of your life.

I’ve been here for a while telling you all of the wonders and advancements of Ford, but today is a special day where I tell you all about the new accomplishment of Ford in the 2012 Focus. more Best Car To Buy 2012 This is still a relatively new year and already the experts are saying that the all new Focus is the best car for you to drive a way in. I can’t say I’m all that surprised that it’s a Ford, but I will admit that I’m pleasantly surprised that the Focus is the winner. I would have thought it would have taken second place behind the Fusion. Fusion v. Focus Please don’t misunderstand me. I’m not saying anything is wrong with the Focus whatsoever, far from it. It just surprises me as much as the Fusion has been a topic of conversation here, that the Focus snuck up on the whole country. The best part about that is, Ford obviously has so many things moving in the right direction, that not even I can keep track of them all. The Road Ahead Like I said,  2012 is a young year and we have a long way to go. Ford is off to a fantastic start. The mood here at O’brien of Ford of Shelbyville is generally ecstatic. If you’re not quite ready for a brand new Focus, then just remember that we are also the Shelbyville used cars hot spot. If you need it and want to be able to rely on it, we’re the only stop to make.

You may be asking yourself what one of the most researched vehicles on the internet was recently. If you’re not asking yourself, then you probably already know that is was the Ford F-150. Now you all know it!! more Still Going Strong I work here at Ford and even I can’t remember how long the F-150 has been going strong. Despite all the whining of the general media about everything going to the tiny little efficient cars, in reality it is still the heart of America that wants a pickup truck. Gas Mileage The new EcoBoost engine system has given new life to a product that was already on top. With the ability to give a full sized work truck gas mileage in the mid twenties, Ford has undeniably flown right past a milestone and are nearly to the next one. Imagine it, a truck that can get mileage in the thirties. Power EcoBoost can give you the mileage you’ve been waiting for, but the best part for those of you who make a living with your truck, or are just really into impressing the non truck holders, the increased fuel economy doesn’t result in any lost power. Here in Louisville, Ford F150 will always be staple of everyday life. If you’re looking to get a little extra mileage out of your truck, come on down to the O’brien Ford of Shelbyville and we’ll show you what the present has for you and the future will accomplish before you know it. Trust us, we’re Ford, and we know what we’re doing.

Well of course Ford is one of the top most researched car brands on the planet! Ford has the best lineup, the best reputation, and the best…well…everything! more Come A Long Way Think back just a few years where Ford was. Depending on your age, naturally, Ford was sort of middle of the pack as far as the mainstream really went, but for those of us that grew up in Ford families, and especially those of us that work for Ford now, we always knew it was a matter of time. Not So Foreign The 90’s saw an enormous surge in foreign car sales in the United States. Suddenly the “in” thing was to have a vehicle from Asia. Detroit had become a shadow of its former glory and there was very little hope in sight. Growing gas prices, what we thought were high at the time, were forcing people into the little cars that nobody wanted because they were so called, economical. Now in the new millennia, Ford has turned things around by being one of the only brands on the market that still gives the people what they want. Fads Of The Past It seemed there for a while that fads would rule the way we looked at cars, and not what actually made them drivable. If you come down to Louisville Ford, I’ll personally show you why Ford is back on top, and for some of us never fell at all. O’brien Ford of Shelbyville is proud of being part of a noble future, just as much as we’re proud of our noble past.

This time of year there are a lot of questions about the proper tires for winter driving. We were discussing it at the dealership yesterday and even some of our guys had not quite the right idea, so I’ve come here today to clear it all up. more All Season Tire If you think you’ve got the best for the winter with an all season tire, that isn’t actually true. All season just means all weather, and sure they do a good job, but they are far from the best. Basically think of them as something that does average in all conditions. Problem there is, in the winter, you want the best. Snow Tires For the best safety, control, and general winter driving, you’re going to want an actual snow tire on your Ford. Made from softer rubber, they won’t get as hard and unpliable to the road, meaning you’ll maintain better grip. A big no no is you should never leave them on all year. Being that they are softer and rely on their deep tread, if you drive them in the summer heat, they’ll get too soft and the tread will wear out before the next winter. Seasonal Swap Winter ice can be bad here in Shelbyville. Used cars and new cars alike sliding every which way. We’ve all seen it year in and year out. With better tires, nitrogen to fill them, and the best safety features and new models here at O’brien Ford of Shelbyville, we can give you the best chance for a safe winter driving season.

Ford has done it again. I have to be honest, I’m really enjoying these last few years and the foreseeable future with this company’s innovations. We are definitely on the right track! more What’s New So the newest thing I have noticed about the interior of the new 2012’s is our new ability to use Sync with the Slacker online radio on your smartphone. Without having to even look for your phone, you can use the voice application to activate and customize your own radio station that plays through you Ford vehicle as normal. What Models As has been our goal the last couple of years, we are getting as many of the new features in as many of the new models as we can. The new Slacker capable Sync is in all sorts of new vehicles for the folks in Louisville. Ford F150, the Fusion, and many others with the rest on the way will all be able to use this new feature. Where Do I Get It? If you’re in the neighborhood and curious to see this for yourself instead of me rambling on about it, stop in and see me in person at O’brien Ford of Shelbyville and any of us here would be happy to show you all the new toys, in what could be your new toy. Trust me folks, this has been a tremendous time to stick with Ford. Things have been on the up now for several years and we really are just getting started, because I know you will still be amazed at the future.

So let me tell you about the last couple of days and my experience with tires. Oh boy and what a time! It all start with a low pressure light, and don’t worry, it has a happy ending. more Over the weekend I had a warning light come on and have seen it so many times before. One of my tires was low on air and I sadly have no air compressor of my own so it was time to take it back to the dealer and use there. If only it were that easy. When the mechanic and I were airing up the tires we noticed that one of them was low. With winter coming, the last thing you want is low pressure. It is unsafe and can cause you to further lose control that first time you hit an ice patch this year. So after we pull a two inch lag bolt out of my tire, that I can’t even begin to think of where I may have picked that up, we decide to use Nitrogen to fill the tires back up. Did you know that on cold winter nights your tires can lose up to a full pound of air? It doesn’t take many nights like that for your tires to get pretty flat. The best thing about Nitrogen is they don’t deflate anywhere near that fast. I highly recommend that you use Nitrogen for your tires. So the story continues as I then find out I have a cracked tire sensor that made the light keep going off in the dash.  So if you’re worried about the winter and what it may do to your tires, then I recommend you come on down to Louisville Ford. We can help you be ready for the harsh driving conditions and be safe out there. The larger the vehicle is the more important this is too. If you’re in the neighborhood of Louisville Ford, F150 looking like it might be riding a little low in the tires, then roll on in and we’ll make sure you roll out more inflated, and ready for winter. Good luck.

Ford has a great history and track record of making sure you stay interested. In the last few years they have made amazing strides in combining your interest with keeping you focused on the road and driving safely with fewer distractions. Now they are combining those ideals with Slacker radio in select 2012 models. more What Is Slacker Radio You Ask Well even if you didn’t ask, it’s what we’re here to talk about today. Slacker is very much like Pandora, but it runs through your Sync system. Mainly for areas with cell phone reception, as your smart phone is what truly powers the app, you can even load your favorite music into the system for when the signal isn’t strong enough. These newer concepts are fantastic, but Ford also wants to make sure you stay safe. Just the other day on the news, there is talk of a federal ban on all phone devices used while driving, hence the beauty of the Sync system really. Being a completely integrated system, there is no cords to worry about or devices to search for in the cup holder because you don’t like the song. With the Sync system’s voice activation, you can control the music you’re listening too, and bring up the music you want next, even skip the ones you don’t. What Will Ford Think of Next When you think about it, it was less than ten years ago that the Sync really became standard in most Fords. Here it is less than a decade and it already seems common place. Crazy when you think about it that technology that should be marveled at is really just fancier ways of listening to your favorite songs and skipping the ones your ex girlfriend subjected you too. The future is looking pretty bright, and now thanks to Ford, sounds pretty good too. So what would be on your list for the ultimate driving music? You may not have to decide right this minute, but pretty soon it will all be the slight push of a button, and the command you give to your cars computer, kind of like Star Trek.

After all the, well whatever the opposite of hype is, about the Bow Tie’s electric car toasting marshmallows as well as its drivers, it is time for the Blue Oval to who you how it is done. more The All New Electric Focus Pay attention now because you won’t believe this until you do your own research. How much do you drive in the average day? Really think about it. You go to work, to the store, to pick up the kids, but even in a big city, how much driving is it really? I’m willing to bet you don’t quite drive a hundred miles per day. If you do, then you’re most likely an outside salesman of some kind, and that is a horse of a different color. The reason I bring up the hundred number is simple, the new Ford Focus EV has a range of one hundred miles on a single charge. So what that means is the average person’s daily drive is done on little to zero gas! Now let us take a moment and think about what saving that kind of money not even at the pump, but avoiding it all together, could really do to change your life. The Electric Focus has been a long time coming. It has been years of research, and for a really easy and simple idea of not wanting to release something that isn’t ready. What a concept huh? Too bad the General didn’t think about that one, but then again that’s what happens when the government has to bail your company out. That’s right, I said it! So Louisville, Ford has what you want, whether it be an electric car that uses barely any gas at all to get you to the office, or a truck you know can work and won’t quit to get you to the field, we’re here to help. Here in Louisville, Ford Dealer or Ford Customer, it doesn’t matter. We’re all part of the same whole and it’s a really tasty pie. Get it? It’s a graph joke. Think about it some more, it’ll come to you.

Do you realize we have been using the same basic Ford van design since the mid 60’s? Crazy right? I guess that really goes to show you we had a great idea, but now it is time for a new one. more If any of you have ever had to move, then you know how valuable a van could really be, but if you didn’t already buy an Econo line van, then you may have run out of time for that model. But of coure I’m here with good news! Ford wouldn’t leave you hanging when it comes to moving a ton of stuff easily short of having a semi. You may have seen it in movies, you may have seen it on trips abroad, and the thing you may have seen is the new Ford van that really isn’t new at all. Ok, so that was a little cryptic. What I’m talking about is the European version of the Ford Van. Coming in 2013 to America is the Ford Transit. It may look a little goofy at first, but give it a bit and I’m positive that it will grow on you in no time. With massive storage, actually being much larger than the Econo, this van will find a welcome home here in the States. So if you’re moving to or from Louisville, Ford will still be a staple of your move. In Louisville, Ford Dealer employees already know how easy this can make one of the worst experiences of living somewhere, and that is having to pick it all up and live somewhere else. So the reason I bring this up today is my darling girlfriend has had to pick up and move to Indiana for a job. Frustrating as this is, the long distance begins. The best thing however to help move from one place to another over that long distance with all of her stuff, is undoubtedly going to be a Ford cargo van.  Just remember the old adage of my father, “You always know who your friends are when it is time to move.” Trust me, I’m a good friend to have with a van to borrow.

First and foremost to any and all that read this blog, Happy Veterans Day, I dearly thank you all for your service to our country, and your sacrifice for our way of life so I can be sitting here tonight and writing this blog. God Bless you all. It is this way of thinking that I share very passionately with Ford, and that is why I am eternally grateful to work for this motor company. more Ford has been all American for its entire history, and to celebrate that proud past we all share, Ford has flown a group of our Greatest Generation’s veterans to see the memorial for the war they all fought hard to win for us. From every branch of service, and every walk of life, all were brought together for a trip to see the monument that now honors their sacrifice. The heads of Ford, including CEO Mulally, were all hands on deck at the Detroit airport to wish them a safe journey on their way to the Capital. Out there in the very country, there are car companies that would call this a publicity stunt, or worse, but that just means that’s the only reason they would ever do it. Ford does this because it knows that these men are the reason the blue oval is still in driveways and garages across this great land. Here at your Frankfort Ford dealer, we salute all of our veterans, young and old. This blog has been updating you on the great things to come that Ford keeps cranking out of R and D. I have updated you on stocks, predictions, and many many other facets of our motor company. Today I take the time to remind you all why we’re here to talk about it. Just because Veteran’s day was yesterday, it shouldn’t matter. If you see a soldier at a bar, buy his drink. If you see a soldier at a restaurant, buy his meal. Most of all, no matter where you see a soldier, stop, shake their hand, look them straight in the eye with all the respect in the world, and thank them for what they do.